Chromatic aberrations in most images; Sound quality does not compare to Video quality; Lacks an audio input; Poor battery life

Bottom Line

The Canon PowerShot SD4500 IS takes a great step for Canon, adding some great high-speed options to their popular digital ELPH line. Featuring a 10-Megapixel HS CMOS sensor, 10x optical zoom lens and full 1080p video capture, its has the best feature set for an ultra-compact Canon to date. Read more in our Full Conclusion.

One of three new PowerShot models released by Canon for the second half of 2010, the PowerShot SD4500 IS builds off the foundation laid by the SD4000 IS we reviewed earlier this summer, with some appealing improvements. While they share the same 10-megapixel CMOS imager sensor and Canon's HS (High Sensitivity) System, they've added a more versatile 10x optical zoom to the mix. The SD4500 IS still offers a nice wide 3.0-inch LCD screen, along with high-speed photo capture options at 3.7 or 8+fps. Canon has also broadened the shutter speed range (up to 1/4000 of a second), and added Full 1080p HD video recording.

All of these powerful functions are packed into a compact body that is only slightly larger and heavier that the SD4000.

Canon PowerShot SD4500 IS key features:

Canon's HS System

10-megapixel, 1/2.3-inch HS CMOS image sensor

DIGIC 4 image processor

10x optical zoom with UA lens elements: 35mm equivalent of 36-360mm

Canon's Optical Image Stabilization

3.0-inch LCD screen

3.7fps burst capture @ full resolution; 8.8fps at lower setting

HandHeld Night Scene Mode

Slow Motion Movie

Blink Detection

Motion Detection Technology

Intelligent Contrast Correction

Exif Print

Smart Shutter technology

Smart Auto

Full 1080p HD video recording

Li-ion power source

SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot

HDMI output

The PowerShot SD4500 IS is available now with a MSRP of $349.99 US. At this time, the camera is only being offered in a stylish Brown color.

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.